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Predators
have little reason for hunting in wide-open pastures. Predators know the
prey must have concealment from its enemies to survive. This is simply a
fact of Nature. Therefore, the more natural an area we call from, the
better our odds are for success.
There are
many things which can foil a calling site even before the first call has
been made. Often as not, I have found a hunter will expose his presence
while traveling to the calling site. Hunters will generally take a path of
less resistance or the shortest route. This can expose the hunter to the
predator from a distance. Hunters who conceal their movements are usually
more successful than those who do not.
THE NOSE
KNOWS…
Scent is
another factor predator hunters must always be aware of. This is
especially true when dealing with coyotes. Coyotes possess some of the
keenest olfactory senses found in Nature, and they use them to the
fullest. Hunters must always be alert to the air current at all times. In
short, you can fool a coyote’s ears with a caller and its eyes with a
decoy, but you can’t fool its nose. It’s that simple!
The degree
of wind velocity, humidity and temperature all affect how quickly and far
our scent will travel. The best means of combating the factor of scent is
to always travel and call into the wind. The same can apply with a
crosswind. However, hunters should always be prepared for the animal to
try to respond from a downwind direction. Therefore, whenever possible,
have an area of good visibility downwind of the calling site. Odds are
this is where your target will present itself.
THE BUNNY
BLUES…
The type of
calling sound we use also plays an important role in calling success. In
most instances the sounds of an animal in distress is the sound of
preference. Predators are opportunists and the sounds of an easy meal can
create a quick response. However, all predators have a brain and if the
sounds are not of a natural manner it is reason for alarm. Predators also
learn from experience. Therefore, if a sound represents a negative
experience, they naturally react with caution. This is commonly referred
to as the animal becoming "call shy."
The most
common of distress sounds used for predator hunting are those of rabbits.
Both the sounds of a cottontail and/or jackrabbit are used. Both of these
sounds are proven even in areas where one of the species may not exist.
Personally,
I favor the sounds of a jackrabbit. I have simply had better response from
both coyotes and bobcats with this sound. The key, I feel, is to use the
call sparingly instead of using a continuous calling rhythm.
In most
instances I will produce a calling sequence of approximately 15-20
seconds. Then I will allow 2-3 minutes of silence to pass before repeating
the calling sequence. This not only lures the predator with sound, but
also keeps it moving during the silent periods. Moving objects are easier
for the human eye to detect, thus increasing the hunter’s odds for
success.
THE PIED
PIPERS…
In most
instances, newcomers to the sport of predator hunting begin with a manual
(mouth blown) type caller. These devises are inexpensive and very
effective when used correctly. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not
put the really important factors in the instruction material, such as not
over calling as I have reviewed. They also do not emphasize remaining
still while operating the caller.
Hunters
must remember the eyes of a predator can detect the slightest of
movements. Therefore if we are moving our head from side to side or
wiggling our fingers we can be detected. Even the finest of camouflage
cannot guard against the super keen eyes of a predator.
RESPECT…
Forty-odd
years have passed since I became a predator-hunting addict. During these
years I have seen a lot changes in the sport of the predator hunting.
I have seen
the coyote expand its ranges from the west to the east. I have seen bobcat
populations reach all time peaks. I have seen space age technology become
incorporated to the sport. The thing I have not seen is the majority of
predator hunters learning to respect their game.
The coyote
has proven it is one of Nature’s greatest survivors. Its senses are far
superior to that of the common dog. It has been proven a coyote can hear a
mouse squeak beyond fifty yards. The eyes of a bobcat can detect the
breathing movements of a rat far beyond the eyes of a domestic cat. These
animals survive by their senses and instincts. Hunters who respect their
game and apply themselves as a predator will prove to be the ultimate
predator.
Bill Bynum
has written extensive articles about predator calling and has published a
book, "Predator Hunting," on the subject.
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